The Crystal Palace striker has been on United’s radar for some time with Chroniclelive the first to report interest in the ex-Peterborough United man on June 6.

Newcastle and England international winger Andros Townsend is wanted by Palace but the Gayle deal, as it stands, will be a separate transaction for the Magpies.

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United still want to talk to Townsend about the possibility of staying but Palace have made their intentions clear and want to take him to Selhurst Park.

Rafa Benitez is keen to add power and pace to his frontline with Gayle fitting the bill for the Spaniard.

Gayle only signed a new deal with Palace a few months ago, but wants to quit Palace in pursuit of first team football and is keen to play for Benitez, as well as run out in front of 50,000 plus crowds every other week.

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It is believed that personal terms have already been discussed after Newcastle expressed an interest in the player earlier this month.

Newcastle have already signed Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels and are also interested in bringing Matt Ritchie to Newcastle from AFC Bournemouth.

Ritchie is valued at £10million and recently attracted interest from West Ham United.